TOLL-FREE TELEPHONE CALLS HELP POP POACHERS, OTHER VIOLATORS

1-877-426-3843 makes reporting wildlife crime easy

Each year, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) natural resource officers (NROs) check approximately 60,000 hunters in the field, and about 96 percent of these are found to be law-abiding sportsmen and women. Although the vast majority of hunters are ethical, they have to deal with the actions of that small percentage who are not. KDWP has 69 NROs to cover the entire state, so they need the help of hunters -- and anyone else who enjoys the outdoors -- to keep their eyes out for those who don't play by the rules.

There is an easy way to combat this problem: phone KDWP's Operation Game Thief hotline, 1-877-426-3843. Using this toll-free number, concerned hunters and landowners can quickly turn in wildlife criminals simply by picking up the phone. All calls received through the Operation Game Thief line are immediately relayed to the natural resource officer nearest the violation. The line is available anytime of day or night, every day of the year, and callers remain anonymous.

Nothing can spoil a good hunt more than that small percentage of unethical “hunters." Although they may seldom describe themselves as such, these people are more properly called poachers. These are the people who trespass, road hunt, litter, take more than their bag limit, drink while they hunt, use illegal equipment, take game out of season, or vandalize. While such behavior is the exception, poachers not only damage natural resources, they reflect poorly on all hunters in the eyes of others.

Operation Game Thief calls have resulted in arrests and convictions on violations ranging from public lands vandalism to deer poaching. In many cases, poachers have been arrested within minutes of the call. Even drug operations have been uncovered by alert hunters using this number.

Before reporting a violation, callers should get as much information as possible, including vehicle descriptions and license tag numbers, descriptions of people involved, locations, and the time and location the incident occurred. The more specific the information is, the easier it is for natural resource officers to investigate the case. However, KDWP law enforcement staff advise hunters to never confront violators.

This year, get mad when you see someone violating wildlife laws, then get even. Just call 1-877-426-3843.